Glossary
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Deck: The surface, installed
over the supporting framing members, to which the roofing is applied.
De-humidistat: A control mechanism used to operate a mechanical
ventilation system based upon the relative humidity in the home.
Dimension lumber: Wood lumber that
ranges from 2 inches thick up to, but not including, 5 inches thick and 2 or
more inches wide. Includes joists, rafters, studs, and planks.
Designer: One who designs houses, interiors, landscaping or other
objects. When used it the context of residential construction it usually suggests that a
designer is not a licensed architect. Most jurisdictions don't require an architectural
license for most single family construction.
Door header: A beam located over a door
or window to carry or redirect any load from above the door to the side door
studs.
Dormer:
Any structure whose framing projects out of a
sloping roof to form a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings.
Double Hung Window: A window with two vertically sliding sashes. This
is a very common older window design, was usually made out of wood and tends to require
frequent repairs.
Double coverage: Application of asphalt roofing so that the lapped
portion is at least 2 inches wider than the exposed portion, resulting in two layers of
roofing material over the deck.
Downspout: A pipe for draining water from roof gutters. Also called a
leader.
Drip edge:
A narrow preformed piece of sheet metal placed
along the edge of a roof line so it overhangs the edge of the roof and allows
water to be carried beyond the roof edge and drip directly to the ground.
Dry rot: A wood fungus that thrives in
damp conditions and turns wood fibers into powder.
Drywall or Gypsum Wallboard (GWB) or Sheet rock or Plasterboard: A
wall finish consisting of a manufactured panel made out of gypsum plaster and encased in a
thin cardboard. Usually 1/2" thick and 4' x 8' or 4' x 12' in size. The panels are
nailed or screwed onto the framing and the joints are taped and covered with a 'joint
compound'. 'Green board' type drywall has a greater resistance to moisture than regular
(white) plasterboard.
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